English Tutoring - Why you need me (6 Viewers)

[phaedrus900]

Hi guys,

There is a lot of garbage out there about English, how its moderated and marked, what you need to do, what you need to read etc. The colleges are incredibly cynical and waste your time and money with formulaic 'syllabuses' and more stuff like school.

They are, however, right about one thing: English is crucial if you want a good HSC. So many of my friends got 98+ for physics, maths and chemistry only to lose 1-5 ATAR points for a terrible English mark. The worst thing is, it's easily avoided. There is a reason that all the James Ruse kids smash English; its a system, you just need to know how it works.

This is where I come in. As well as a natural aptitude for English which I have carried through university studies (maintaining a high average in both Philosophy and Law at Usyd) I quickly learnt how to beat the English system, what the pitfalls were, and how to guide myself through it without reading endless books and theories (you still have other subjects to study for). I actually ended up enjoying it! I have tutored over 50 students of all natural skill levels now to top Band results.

Just for completeness, my marks were: Eng Adv 96, Eng Ext, 47/50, Eng Ext 2 50/50.

I also offer specialist tutoring for Eng Ext 2 which is vital because there is a lot you need to do to ensure your MW is considered properly.

If you are interested in beating the system, working smart not hard, and having practical, experience English tutoring, PM me or call on 0405836941.

Thanks and good luck!
Dave


EDIT (15/4/2016) Please scroll to see below FAQs and further detail on free trials, marking etc


1. I only tutor online. This is for various reasons, most particularly because of the style of tutoring I find most effective for students and enjoy. Which leads me to..
2. Although I tailor my approach to each student's needs and abilities, I generally follow a certain model. This model is: Each week one paid session, with follow up editing/marking reviews.

The typical form this takes will be that a student may work with me on an assessment - in the session we will discuss texts, model answers, pitfalls, particular anxieties and then set up a plan (very important for anxiety levels, and proper execution of everything discussed). Then the student will submit that work to me during the week for review/marking and editing.

Many students have asked me if I tutor in person, and whether I tutor differently to these models. Online is non-negotiable. While I am willing to help anyone, so will consider any reasonable request, I find that sporadic/intermittent and irregular sessions (usually in a panicked state before an assessment) are not conducive to good results, learning or anything genuine. Therefore:

3. Given this and my already fairly replete calendar, I am currently only taking regular students.

 

[phaedrus900]

Really happy with the seminar numbers, thanks all those who RSVPd promptly.

Bump - Finalising this term's students - please pm/txt if interested

Cheers,
Dave

 

[phaedrus900]

Thanks to all my new students - looking forward to T1! There are still spaces available for any interested

 

[kyyzhng]

is it possible for you to post/ msg me ur credentials?

 

[phaedrus900]

Just pm'd you - let me know if you didn't get it

 

[phaedrus900]

Hi everyone -

I have a couple of places left for T1 - very pleased to have just teed up with another two friendly, excellent students. Please text me on 0405836941 if interested or feel free to send through your work for feedback and initial review to dblo7401@uni.sydney.edu.au.

Good luck for the challenges ahead,
Cheers,
Dave

 

[phaedrus900]

Just a quick one - I have had a lot of requests lately for face-to-face tutoring. While I recognise this can be an effective way for some students to learn, I prefer to tutor online, using skype. This affords my students the comfort of their own space, flexibility and means we can work together at various times with feedback I have given.

I tutor solely online - I hope this helps!

Thanks
Dave

 

[phaedrus900]

English extension 2 tutoring, advice

Hi guys,

I am an experienced tutor and am currently full for T1 with English students. Although I have had a huge increase in Eng Adv and Extension students, I still have more spaces for my favourite subject Extension 2. I got a (top end of spectrum) 50/50 for my MW, showcase nominated and absolutely love the creative process of guidance when working closely with my students on their MWs.

If you'd like more info, text me on 0405836941 or email dblo7401@uni.sydney.edu.au.

Further info on my general tutoring and positive testimonials available here: http://community.boredofstudies.org...ish-tutoring-why-you-need-me.html#post7112549

Cheers,
Dave

 

[eyeseeyou]

What is this "system" and how would you beat it?

 

[phaedrus900]

Hi eyeseeyou - thanks for your question,

I think there are two elements to the 'system' that is HSC English. The fairer part is the highly detailed and accessible rubric which shows you exactly what kind of analysis, aspects of your texts, techniques etc you need to gain each band. The trickier, and perhaps less transparent, element of the English system involves some of the unwritten rules regarding what isn't acceptable to write, major mistakes people commonly make, and the essential 'academic' way of preparing HSC essays so that you can effectively take a high band 6 essay into an exam that is amenable to any task.

Imparting the latter to each person while remaining cognizant of their individual strengths and weaknesses is the crux of my tailored tutoring. I work hard to get my students writing analysis and theses at a university level, and make sure I steer them away from some of these perennial failings.

I hope this helps - feel free to email me or pm if you'd like more info. Good luck with everything this year!

Cheers,
Dave

 

[eyeseeyou]

Hi eyeseeyou - thanks for your question,

I think there are two elements to the 'system' that is HSC English. The fairer part is the highly detailed and accessible rubric which shows you exactly what kind of analysis, aspects of your texts, techniques etc you need to gain each band. The trickier, and perhaps less transparent, element of the English system involves some of the unwritten rules regarding what isn't acceptable to write, major mistakes people commonly make, and the essential 'academic' way of preparing HSC essays so that you can effectively take a high band 6 essay into an exam that is amenable to any task.

Imparting the latter to each person while remaining cognizant of their individual strengths and weaknesses is the crux of my tailored tutoring. I work hard to get my students writing analysis and theses at a university level, and make sure I steer them away from some of these perennial failings.

I hope this helps - feel free to email me or pm if you'd like more info. Good luck with everything this year!

Cheers,
Dave

Thanks phaedrus900/Dave

 

[phaedrus900]

np

 

[phaedrus900]

Hi guys

Just a quick piece of advice based on a question I have been asked a lot lately (seemingly more this year than usual) about whether and to what extent you should preprepare and rote learn your essay answers:

The short answer is it really depends on the individual. I think both ends of the spectrum are a big danger - very few people are so brilliant they can write an off-the-cuff response in the extremely limited time frame of 40 mins and, equally, rote learning every word to a tee can sounds contrived and forced unless you get the perfect question you prepare for.

The skill is to learn the backbone/essence of your piece, have a high reaching thesis that is amenable to a wide range of topics (i.e. not too specific, but not so vague it says nothing or merely repeats the syllabus verbatim), and know your building blocks (proof - techniques, quotes, effects) inside out to substantiate your newly crafted thesis which really hammers the question.

The best way is to practice - you don't need to write out an essay for every module for the last ten years, but simply say out loud or better yet write an introduction for your thesis for a range of different past exam questions. If you can do this quickly, you'll know you're on track for a band 6 essay in the exam - nothing to stress about!

It is a pretty tiresome and gruelling effort, but its worthwhile - a good band 6 in English will really set up your ATAR and help you with the extremely important skill of writing for the rest of your life.

Cheers and good luck,
Dave

 

[eyeseeyou]

Hi guys

Just a quick piece of advice based on a question I have been asked a lot lately (seemingly more this year than usual) about whether and to what extent you should preprepare and rote learn your essay answers:

The short answer is it really depends on the individual. I think both ends of the spectrum are a big danger - very few people are so brilliant they can write an off-the-cuff response in the extremely limited time frame of 40 mins and, equally, rote learning every word to a tee can sounds contrived and forced unless you get the perfect question you prepare for.

The skill is to learn the backbone/essence of your piece, have a high reaching thesis that is amenable to a wide range of topics (i.e. not too specific, but not so vague it says nothing or merely repeats the syllabus verbatim), and know your building blocks (proof - techniques, quotes, effects) inside out to substantiate your newly crafted thesis which really hammers the question.

The best way is to practice - you don't need to write out an essay for every module for the last ten years, but simply say out loud or better yet write an introduction for your thesis for a range of different past exam questions. If you can do this quickly, you'll know you're on track for a band 6 essay in the exam - nothing to stress about!

It is a pretty tiresome and gruelling effort, but its worthwhile - a good band 6 in English will really set up your ATAR and help you with the extremely important skill of writing for the rest of your life.

Cheers and good luck,
Dave

Hey Phaedrus900/Dave

Thnx for the advice

Do you think it's possible to get 95+ without reading all your texts?

 

[phaedrus900]

no worries - its definitely possible, but I wouldn't recommend it. As per the above spiel, to know your texts well enough to effectively grasp their essence for your analysis, its advisable to have read them - otherwise your answers may seem wooden/contrived e.t.c. However, anything is possible, and I have seen hard working students who hate English and texts generally, but understand the HSC system and its requirements, effectively earn their way to a band 6 with brute force of work and rote learning.

Personally I would rather try to find (maybe with the help of a tutor) some way to make your texts interesting or at least bearable, read them and write something decent that you actually believe.

Hope this helps.
Dave

 

[eyeseeyou]

no worries - its definitely possible, but I wouldn't recommend it. As per the above spiel, to know your texts well enough to effectively grasp their essence for your analysis, its advisable to have read them - otherwise your answers may seem wooden/contrived e.t.c. However, anything is possible, and I have seen hard working students who hate English and texts generally, but understand the HSC system and its requirements, effectively earn their way to a band 6 with brute force of work and rote learning.

Personally I would rather try to find (maybe with the help of a tutor) some way to make your texts interesting or at least bearable, read them and write something decent that you actually believe.

Hope this helps.
Dave

thnx dave/phaedrus900

 

[phaedrus900]

Hi all,

In the wake of so many questions and anxieties concerning HSC English forwarded to me this year, I've decided I will run (possibly in conjunction with a good friend and highly experienced English tutor) a free 1 hour interactive Q and A online. I think this might help quell some concerns, get everyone on the same page with some of the broader brushstrokes of good English strategy and generally be a good way to stay in touch with you guys!

I will shortly post more details about time and location (either BoS website, or perhaps reddit) and where you can forward any questions you'd like answered on the night. Watch this space!

Cheers,
Dave

 

[phaedrus900]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the positive feedback. I have decided to run the Q and A session, in a new thread, this Wednesday, 16 March. My first priority will be to answer questions sent to me prior to the night, so please PM if you would like to ensure your question is answered. If relevant, I may also answer good questions PM'd to me on the night, as well as some perennial questions which I get as a tutor.

I hope you find it worthwhile and helpful,
Cheers,
David

 

[obbor]

A grammatical error in your first sentence? How did you get away with that?

 

[Drongoski]

A grammatical error in your first sentence? How did you get away with that?

There are many experts in English who are quite hopeless in grammar since, for the HSC, grammar apparently no longer counts.

I'm not suggesting @op is one.